TexasCHLforum.com

03Lightningrocks wrote:

RoyGBiv wrote:MY general rule is to follow any posted signs, even if not specifically CHL-specific/enforceable... And then ASK...

Great way to get verbally 30:06ed. There is a very specific set of laws regarding which signs apply to you. There is no reason to ask, other than to make sure everyone knows you have a gun on you.

Most places I'd agree with you, but not at the range.
If I'm planning on shooting my carry gun at the range, I want to know where the range officers feel it's ok to handle it.
I figure I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they are "gun friendly" and just ask.
Communication seems to be a declining skill in these days of email and text messages. I like to talk with people.
If I got an answer I didn't like, better to know sooner than later, and have an opportunity for discussion.

IMO... Of course, YMMV.

AndyC wrote:If you absolutely, totally have to keep it loaded and concealed - for whatever reason - let the RO know before you get to the bench that you have a concealed firearm ("On my ankle", "On my right hip", wherever) then ask how he/she wants you to proceed. I'm seriously less than impressed when I'm down-range changing a target - and a new shooter arrives at the bench and suddenly whips out his concealed firearm as if to impress everybody and slams it on the bench before the RO can even grab him.

Don't take the ROs and other shooters by surprise that way - that's the mark of a total amateur wannabe and I have had zero compunction in making my fright and displeasure felt by calling a man a chicken-plucking idiot to his face when I got back there. Don't be a dork, and I won't have to embarrass you in front of your kid or your friends because if you're that unsafe around guns, I could give a darn what you think.

Communication...
Makes the world a better place.

AndyC wrote:Drawing a (loaded or unloaded) firearm from a concealed holster on arrival at the bench without sweeping someone with the muzzle seems to be next-to-impossible for most. It's the most amateurish thing which I've seen time and again, and it disturbs me on a number of levels.

A bit OT, so I'll be quick.. First time I shot to qualify for CHL was in NC. Draw from a holster was REQUIRED for the test.
Heading out the door, I couldn't find my Yaqui that I planned to use.
Unfortunately, the only things I could find were a belly band and a shoulder rig.
At the firing line, we were about a dozen shooters shooting SIMULTANEOUSLY. (Several shooters were idiots, I'll save that for another time)
Instructor (local Sheriff's Deputy) said to me "If I see you sweep anyone with that muzzle, even once, I'll fail you."
Nothing like a little extra pressure drawing from a seldom-used shoulder rig in a timed course of fire with other (very novice) shooters next to me.
I grabbed an end spot (last to the left, I'm right-handed) and shot a perfect score under a watchful eye.

MY general rule is to follow any posted signs, even if not specifically CHL-specific/enforceable... And then ASK.

For example:
Yesterday I went to the members only opening weekend at Shoot Smart, a new range over in N. FTW, at I-35 and Golden Triangle. As I was walking in from the car carrying my range bag, I see a prominent sign stating "All weapons must be unloaded and in cases" (or something close to that, you know the sign...). So after rolling my eyes (I do that a lot lately, I inherited it from my kids) I go back to the car, unload, and put the carry gun in the range bag.

They were pretty busy, grand opening and all, but as the co-owner was talking to me about the new equipment, etc., I pointed to her sign and asked her if that applied to CCW.... She said "do you plan to shoot it?", I said "Yes", she said "just keep it concealed until you get to the line, we don't want any weapons being carried in by hand, it makes folks nervous. We can't tell whether you're just inexperienced or trying to rob us if you walk in the door with a gun in your hand (she said it jokingly, but to make a point, very good naturedly, no offense taken)...

So... Now I know how the new "home range" wants to handle CCW. Easy. Friendly. Certain.

How would I feel if she had said "no CCW in here"?, I would have explained why I thought she was making a bad decision, then asked for my membership to be refunded before leaving.... Although I'd have been surprised if that happened..